Kotaku - Microsoft Pulls Plug On Xbox Originals - Xbox Originals "First launched in 2007, Microsoft's "Xbox Originals" scheme seemed an easy way to re-release old Xbox titles on the 360 as a digital download, and make a buck off them in the process. Hasn't worked out that way. After an initial flurry of titles, releases for the service soon slowed to the point where most of you probably forgot it was even around. And it may as well have disappeared, with Microsoft saying it has now "finished it's portfolio" of releases for the service, and that following one final release (which has yet to be determined), there will be no more Xbox games offered for download (though you'll still be able to get the games already on there). Shame. The service had real potential. Or, it would have if Microsoft had bothered releasing more stuff like Psychonauts, or had fixed some backwards-compatibility issues so they could sell Jet Set Radio and Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath. UPDATE - Reader Adrian points out that the Xbox Originals have already been "moved" and rebranded, and are sitting on Xbox.com as the first offerings for Microsoft's "Games on Demand" service."
Not really surprised, closing in on what, 4 or 5 years, and when they're going to be making 360 games d/l-able, gotta expect them to concentrate on this gen.
I guess 360 owners are just smart enough to know they can buy the games they can download cheaper on Amazon.
This could have been Microsoft's Virtual Console but I think they did a 'meh' effort with it. The games were normally more expensive than buying them used at Gamestop or online. They were missing any downloadable content they originally had. (DLC was a rare thing on the original Xbox but it did exist.) But the one thing that would have made the service take off (and possibly still can): Achievements.
Halo was the only game I ever downloaded off of Xbox Originals. Thankfully, it'll probably remain the only one for me.
Well and how much were they again. I thought Crimson Skies was like 20 bucks or something and I bought it for 2.99 with box and manual and fully playable without taking up my 20 gigs. Nice avatar Smash.
Not really surprising. Maybe if they had re-released games people actually wanted it would've done better. And like the article said, fixed BC issues. I didn't download it, but I do still have the original Fable: The Lost Chapters disc and I can't play it on my 360. Sound issues galore and it likes to lock up during any CG movie. I'd also have to say that hard drive space was probably an issue as well. Unless you're one of the people that overpaid for the bigger one, most people are probably still using the 20 gig one that came with their 360. And I'd imagine any XO would take up at least a gig or so, more than any XBA title.
Yeah, 90% of the games I could getfor about a 3rd of the price and still have the disk. Not worth anywhere near spending 1200 points on.
Agreed. I never played/play any OrigXB (or community) games because of this. Why waste time with one of them when I can play a 360 or Arcade game and get at least a few achievements for my time...
And now you can download the extra planes, too. Thanks. I was watching MvC on the YouTube and I forgot how fruity Captain America sounds in that game. Charging♥Stars! ♥Final♥Justice♥!! Oh boy...
Seriously that game, Crimson, is still one of the best flying games ever, and I really wish someone would bring out another one. Warhark has VERY similar mechanics, but Warhawk is multiplayer online only. Crimson had a story.
